Gaza Civil Defense Agency Reports Deadly Shooting Incident
The Gaza Civil Defense Agency has announced a tragic incident on Tuesday, where 15 individuals lost their lives after Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd trying to access a food distribution center. This shocking event comes amid a backdrop of escalating violence in the region, particularly since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) started distributing aid on May 27. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has also drawn significant international attention and protests.
According to Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for the agency, the fatalities occurred when Israeli quadcopters targeting the crowd at the GHF distribution center in central Gaza fired upon those waiting in line early in the morning. Additionally, three other people were reported killed between 2:30 AM and 5 AM due to Israeli gunfire and shelling in the northern area of Wadi Gaza, as they awaited their chance to receive aid.
Details on the Incident
In remarks to AFP, Bassal described the desperation of the situation, stating that thousands of civilians gathered with the hope of receiving aid at the American food distribution center near the Wadi Gaza bridge and the Netzarim corridor. This corridor is a contentious area that has been militarized by Israel, effectively separating parts of Gaza from the Israeli border and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Israeli military has reportedly acknowledged firing warning shots during the incident near the food distribution center. However, they contested the casualty figures, claiming that their data showed a different number of wounded. They stated their actions were meant to deter potential threats as individuals advanced toward the military positions.
Military’s Position
The Israeli Defense Forces explained that their warning shots were aimed at individuals who posed a risk to troops, maintaining that the shots were discharged at a distance away from the aid center before any operations began. They did not, however, address reports of firing from quadcopters at civilians waiting for assistance.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Al-Awda hospital in Nuseirat camp reported receiving three bodies, along with approximately 100 wounded individuals. The stark realities of media restrictions in the Gaza Strip make it difficult for independent agencies like AFP to verify the casualty numbers provided by local authorities.
Continued Strain on Humanitarian Efforts
This incident underscores the precarious situation for civilians in Gaza, where access to basic needs like food is fraught with danger. The increasing violence and the impact of the ongoing conflict have made the humanitarian efforts by organizations like the GHF even more critical.
As the international community continues to express concern over the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, such episodes of violence serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing aid distribution and the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.
